Waunakee Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.6 grains per gallon
Source
groundwater
pH Level
8.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
728.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.62
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Waunakee, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Waunakee | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -78% |
| Washing Machine | 5 yrs | 12 yrs | -58% |
| Water Heater | 6.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -58% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Waunakee compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waunakee, Wisconsin | 233.5 mg/L | 6.2 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Middleton, Wisconsin | 252.5 mg/L | 6.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | groundwater |
| Madison, Wisconsin | 145.5 mg/L | 4.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Verona, Wisconsin | 161 mg/L | 4.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | groundwater |
| Fitchburg, Wisconsin | 107 mg/L | 3.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | groundwater |
National Benchmark
How Waunakee compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Waunakee | 233.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Waunakee's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Waunakee, Wisconsin, in Dane County — a Dane County village adjacent to Madison and Sun Prairie in south-central Wisconsin — receives its water from the Village of Waunakee Utilities, drawing from local Jordan Sandstone-Prairie du Chien Dolomite aquifer (Dane County) through the south-central Wisconsin distribution.
The very hard 233.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 728.8 mg/L reflect the south-central Wisconsin Dane County supply's very hard dolomitic character — driven by the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite aquifer typical of the south Wisconsin dolomite platform communities (compare Hudson WI: 206 mg/L; Shorewood WI: 246.5 mg/L), with the high TDS from the deep confined dolomite aquifer's extensive residence time. The Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer at Dane County — Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite (dolomitic — primary hardness contributor), Ordovician Oneota Dolomite (dolomitic — secondary contributor), and Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble — dilutant at base).
At 233.5 mg/L with TDS 729, Waunakee's water is very hard. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent rapid scale buildup. A reverse osmosis system is advisable for drinking water. The PFAS level of 6.2 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Dane County Madison metro industrial corridor contribute to Waunakee's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Waunakee in Dane County draws from the Village of Waunakee Utilities on local Cambrian Jordan Sandstone and Ordovician Prairie du Chien Dolomite aquifer (Dane County, south-central Wisconsin) — the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer at Dane County produces Ordovician dolomitic water (dolomitic) over Cambrian Jordan Sandstone (insoluble) — Wisconsin Dane County Prairie du Chien-Jordan Ordovician dolomitic aquifer produces very hard water at 233.5 mg/L with TDS 728.8 mg/L.